On March 1, we added navigation services to the Compass Center in Pioneer Square, where we began serving the community nearly 100 years ago. This enhancement adds day programming and housing navigation services to the existing hygiene, mail, and banking programs for people experiencing homelessness in the Compass Center’s historic location.
“We are so excited to be able to continue evolving our programs in a location we have served for 99 years. The addition of vital navigation services to the Compass Center makes good on our promise to create a comprehensive center to provide a foundation of services to meet the needs of people who are experiencing homelessness today,” said Janet Pope, CEO.
Housing navigators work with each individual person to find housing options according to their income and life circumstances (Veterans, people with health concerns, housing status). Staff will build connections with day services guests to assist in identifying and securing safe and stable housing.
With these service enhancements, the Compass Center now offers:
—Mail Services: For those who are homeless, a mailing address provides stability and the opportunity to apply for benefits, seek employment, access resources, and exercise the right to vote.
—Banking Services: People who are experiencing homelessness do not always feel welcome in traditional banking environments or have the proper identification to open an account. The Compass Center’s banking services offer a safe place to deposit paychecks and disability and pensions checks. Bank payee services help account holders pay rent and other bills through automatic withdrawal in a timely manner.
—Hygiene Services: Guests can access laundry, hot showers, restrooms, and more. These services are critical to helping people be job-ready and maintain their health.
—Day Services: The Compass Center offers a respite from the elements, nutritious snacks and meals, access to supportive case managers, housing navigators, on-site medical staff, and other support staff and the critical resources they provide.
—Housing Navigation: Staff will work closely with each guest to create a housing stability plan, provide guidance through complex housing assistance programs, identify housing opportunities, and help guests secure safe and stable housing.
“Adding navigation services to the Compass Center allows us to provide enriched services to more vulnerable people in our community. We’ll be creating a welcoming space for people living outside in Pioneer Square to come inside and move towards housing,” said Director of Emergency Services John Barbee.